Grove Bill, Part of Package to Repeal Out-Dated Bills, Approved by House

5/1/2019

HARRISBURG – The House on Wednesday approved legislation by Rep. Seth Grove (R-Dover) to repeal a decades-old act, which taxed stores and theaters and was ruled unconstitutional. Grove’s bill is part of a 29-bill package generated in the House to clear out antiquated acts. Twelve of the bills were approved by the House today.

“We have all heard of some of the absurd laws still on the books in Pennsylvania. These old laws extend into the realm of state finances,” Grove said. “Their existence contributes to the already complex and confusing nature of government.”

Grove’s House Bill 1086 would repeal the Store and Theatre Tax Act. This law required stores and theatres to pay an annual license tax and was enacted in 1937. Even though the act was declared unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court in 1939, it remained on the books.

The bills approved by the House today now go to the Senate for consideration. This package of bills is part of an overall effort to improve government efficiency and ensure state government is done right.